Deron Williams Identifies First Courts to Benefit from Assists as part of ‘BROOKLYN’S GOT WINGS’

Every Williams Assist = Funds for Borough Parks

BROOKLYN (February 22, 2013) – When Brooklyn Nets guard Deron Williams dished his 379th assist of the year versus the San Antonio Spurs on February 10, it sparked the first dedication of funds to refurbish borough basketball courts as part of the ‘Brooklyn’s Got Wings’ project.

Albert J. Parham Playground, located less than a mile from Barclays Center and adjacent to the Clinton Hill Elementary School, is the home of the first court selected for renovation. The basketball courts at Parham playground were installed in 1996 and have not been renovated since. Funds based on Williams’ assists will be used to put in a new playing surface, backboards and rims. For more information on the park, visit nyc.gov/parks and search for Parham Playground.

In conjunction with the first court announcement, the Brooklyn Nets and Red Bull have unveiled an authentic player locker inside the Nets Shop by adidas at Barclays Center so fans can track the assist total through the rest of season. An LED screen on the locker updates the assists in real-time and a mobile website offers fans an opportunity to win game tickets and autographed gear. A locker installation was also built at Modell's Sporting Goods (140 Flatbush Ave, Brooklyn, NY).

As part of the ‘Brooklyn’s Got Wings’ project in partnership with Red Bull, the Brooklyn Nets and New York City Department of Parks & Recreation, every assist Williams dishes out over the next two seasons will trigger a $150 contribution for the refurbishment of eight public basketball courts at four parks in the area. All the courts are located within a two to three mile radius of Barclays Center, home of the Brooklyn Nets.

Through Thursday, February 21, Williams has delivered 396 assists, generating $59,400 for ‘Brooklyn’s Got Wings’ so far. Based on his nine-assists-a-game career average for the remaining games this season, the contribution would come to $95,850 for the year.

“It’s great to see that my assists are having a direct and positive impact on local courts,” said Deron Williams, the three-time NBA All-Star. “I’m planning on a great second half of the season for my team and the local community.”

"We are thrilled to help identify the first courts that will benefit from the Brooklyn’s Got Wings project,” said Brooklyn Parks Commissioner Kevin Jeffrey. “We are grateful for the substantial commitment that Deron, the Brooklyn Nets and Red Bull are making to our city’s parks.”